With the debut of Max Pacioretty incoming Wednesday Hendrix Lapierre will be the odd man out of the Capitals' forward lines vs. New Jersey. The 21-year-old centre has been enjoying a successful first full season in Washington, with two goals, four assists, 18 SOG, and a -1 plus/minus.
Lapierre was the 22nd overall pick of the Capitals in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft and has split time between the Hershey Bears (AHL) and the Capitals this season. In 11 games with the Capitals, he has three points (1G / 2A) while averaging 10:06 time-on-ice.
Lapierre will be a healthy scratch on Wednesday, allowing Nicolas Aube-Kubel to re-enter the Capitals' lineup. Lapierre has three points (1G / 2A) in seven games this season, all of which came in the same game.
Nic Dowd is day-to-day with a lower-body injury, so Lapierre will draw back into the bottom-6 on Monday. Lapierre scored a goal in his NHL debut and has picked up two shots and two PIMS in two career games.
Lapierre was selected No.22 overall in the 2020 draft and cracked the Capitals lineup out of training camp with Nicklas Backstrom (hip) sidelined. Lapierre had eight goals and 23 assists (31 points) in 21 QMJHL goals last season and picked up five assists in four preseason games. Lapierre will start his NHL career as the Capitals third-line centre, with T.J. Oshie and Conor Sheary on his wings.
